Why Start a HoYoverse Merch Collection
You're scrolling through social media and spot a friend showing off a limited-edition Genshin Impact figure - the detail on that Zhongli is unreal. Suddenly you want to start collecting, but where do you begin? This HoYoverse merch collection starter guide is for anyone who loves the worlds of Teyvat, the Astral Express, or New Eridu and wants to bring a piece of those universes home. By the end, you'll know exactly what to buy first, how to snag rare drops, and how to keep your collection looking great.
HoYoverse has grown into a cultural powerhouse with millions of fans worldwide. Their merchandise spans from acrylic stands to high-end statues, with quality that matches the games they represent. Starting your collection now - in 2026 - puts you in a prime position, as the company continues to release new characters and tie-in products for all three major titles.
Must-Have Pieces from Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero
If you're just starting out, it helps to focus on one or two core items per game. Here's a breakdown of what tends to hold value and bring the most joy.
Genshin Impact
A solid entry point is the official Genshin Impact acrylic stand series. These run around $15-20 each and feature your favorite characters like Raiden Shogun or Kazuha in crisp, vibrant prints. They're small enough to fit on a desk but detailed enough to appreciate. Another fan favorite is the character themed keychains - they're durable metal and enamel, often with both sides printed. I've had mine for over a year with no fading.
Honkai Star Rail
The Trailblazer series of die-cast badges are a must-grab. They have a satisfying weight (about 50 grams each) and feature characters like Seele and Bronya in their signature poses. Because HoYoverse sometimes re-releases older designs, you don't always need to panic buy - but limited variants with holographic backgrounds are worth securing quickly.
Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zone Zero introduced some of the most creative merch concepts. The surveillance camera plushies - specifically the 'Eous' Bangboo plush - are incredibly soft and detailed, with embroidered eyes and a removable jacket. They retail at $35 and often sell out within hours of a restock.
Tips for Securing Limited Drops and Exclusive Items
Limited drops are the lifeblood of HoYoverse merch, but they can be frustrating. Here's how to improve your odds.
Step 1: Follow Official Channels
HoYoverse announces drops on their Twitter and Bilibili accounts first. Turn on notifications - not just for the main account, but for their regional branches like HoYoverse_Global. Announcements usually come 2-3 days before a sale, giving you time to prepare.
Step 2: Set Up Accounts Ahead of Time
Create accounts on their official Tmall Global store and their Japanese site (if you're okay with import fees). Have your payment and shipping info saved. During the March 2026 Fischl figure drop, orders sold out in 12 minutes. Without pre-saved info, you'll miss out.
Step 3: Know the Restock Rhythms
HoYoverse often restocks popular items in waves. For Genshin acrylic stands, if you miss the first drop, check back exactly 30 days later. For larger statues, restocks happen every 3-4 months. Set a calendar reminder.
Step 4: Use Proxy Services for Regional Exclusives
Some HoYoverse exclusives only release in China or Japan. Services like Buyee or FromJapan can help you purchase them, but factor in an extra 15-20% for fees and shipping. I've used Buyee for a Honkai Star Rail wall scroll and it arrived in two weeks.
Common mistake: ignoring time zones. HoYoverse often drops at 10:00 AM Beijing time. That's 10:00 PM Eastern (or 9:00 PM after daylight saving adjustments). Double-check your local time or you'll wake up to a sold-out page.
Display and Care Tips to Protect Your Collection
Your merch deserves proper handling. Dust and sunlight are the main enemies.
Sunshine is the Enemy
Direct sunlight will fade acrylic stands and prints within weeks. Keep your display away from windows, or use UV-protective glass if you frame posters. A simple rule: if you can see the sun from where the item sits, move it.
Acrylic Stand Care
Acrylic scratches easily. Use a microfiber cloth to clean them - never paper towels. Store them in their original plastic sleeves when not displayed. For the bases, if they become loose, a tiny dab of museum putty on the bottom prevents tipping.
Figure Maintenance
For PVC figures (like the limited Paimon statue), dust them every two weeks with a soft brush. Avoid compressed air as it can blow dust into crevices. If a joint becomes stiff, warm the area with a hair dryer on low for 10 seconds - never force it.
Humidity Control
If you live in a humid area, consider silica gel packs inside display cases. They cost a few dollars for a pack of 50 and can prevent mold on fabric items like plushies or wall scrolls.
Where to Buy Official HoYoverse Merchandise
The safest sources are HoYoverse's own official online stores. Their Tmall Global store and the HoYoFair site are the most reliable. For Japanese exclusives, the HoYoverse booth at events like Comiket sometimes opens online sales afterward.
Avoid third-party sellers on eBay or Amazon unless you can verify the item's packaging. Counterfeit HoYoverse merch is common - look for the official authentication sticker (a silver holographic seal with a QR code) on every product. If it's missing, it's not genuine.
For curated collections, our store offers hand-picked items that match the quality standards of official releases. We don't sell counterfeits - only designs inspired by the games, sourced from trusted partners.
FAQ
How much should I expect to spend on a starter collection?
A modest starter set of 3-4 acrylic stands and one keychain runs about $80-100. Larger figures can cost $150-300 each. Budget according to what excites you most.Do HoYoverse items appreciate in value?
Some limited-edition items, like the first-run Genshin Impact character statues, have doubled in resale value. But collecting for enjoyment is more reliable than treating it like an investment.How often does HoYoverse release new merch?
New items drop roughly every 2-4 weeks across all game IPs, with larger collections tied to major game updates or anniversaries (late September for Genshin, February for Honkai Star Rail).Are there fakes I need to watch out for?
Yes. Common signs of counterfeits include blurry prints, off-center designs, missing official holographic stickers, and prices under $10 for items that normally cost $25+. Always buy from official channels.Can I mix merch from different HoYoverse games?
Absolutely. Many collectors display Genshin, Honkai, and Zenless pieces together. Use matching display cases or shelves to create a cohesive look. Some even theme their setup by element type (Anemo, Quantum, Electric).Key Takeaways
- Start with affordable acrylic stands and keychains to test your interest before diving into high-end figures.
- Follow official social media accounts and set up accounts ahead of drops to secure limited items.
- Protect your collection from sunlight, dust, and humidity with simple care routines.
- Use proxy services for regional exclusives but account for extra fees.
- Always verify authenticity via holographic seals - avoid suspiciously cheap deals.
